These Reese's Pieces Bars are an absolute game-changer. combines the classic flavors of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in one irresistible treat.
No baking is required. With just a few simple ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter, you'll have a thick, fudgy dough base that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
These bars are an absolute crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, movie nights, or just satisfying your Reese's cravings at home. these delicious cookie bars are a must-try.
Why You Will Love This Reese’s Pieces Bars
Here's why you'll adore this recipe:
Combines the classic, irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter that so many people adore, especially fans of Reese's candies. The bars taste very similar to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
No baking is required, making this an easy, simple recipe to whip up. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill before digging.
The peanut butter layer has a fudgy, dense texture thanks to ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and brown sugar blended with the peanut butter. This gives the bars an amazing mouthfeel.
The top layer is a luscious peanut butter milk chocolate ganache that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter base. This takes the bars over the top with chocolatey goodness.
They are great for parties, potlucks, movie nights, or any time you need an easy crowd-pleasing dessert. Both kids and adults will love them.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Butter: Provides richness, and moisture, and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Act as the base and give the bars a crumbly, graham-cracker-like texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the base and helps create the crumbly texture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Gives the bars their signature peanut butter flavor and fudgy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper molasses flavor to the peanut butter base.
- Mini Reese's Pieces: The star ingredient, providing pops of peanut butter and chocolate flavor along with a crunchy texture.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Used to make the rich chocolate ganache topping.
- Peanut Butter (for ganache): Added to the ganache to enhance the peanut butter flavor.
How To Make This Reese’s Pieces Bars
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
- Prepare the baking dish: Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment/foil.
- Make the peanut butter base: In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until well combined.
- Add Reese's Pieces: Fold in ¾ cup of the mini Reese's Pieces candies into the peanut butter mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it evenly into the pan.
- Make the ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for another minute, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Top with ganache and Reese's: Pour the melted chocolate ganache over the peanut butter base and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mini Reese's Pieces over the top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Chill: Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the bars to set completely.
- Cut and serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Tips For The Best Reese’s Pieces Bars
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter and peanut butter to come to room temperature before starting. This will help them incorporate more easily.
- Don't overmix the base: Mix the peanut butter base just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can cause the bars to become dense and tough.
- Chop larger Reese's Pieces: If using regular-sized Reese's Pieces, give them a rough chop to create smaller pieces that distribute better throughout the bars.
- Chill thoroughly: Don't skip the 3-hour chilling time. This allows the bars to be set up completely so they can be cut cleanly.
- Use a hot knife: Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry before cutting into the chilled bars for the cleanest slices.
- Garnish for presentation: Sprinkle a few extra Reese's Pieces or drizzle melted peanut butter over the cut bars for an extra special presentation.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
To Store: Leftover Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cool temperature will help the bars hold their shape and prevent the chocolate topping from melting.
To Freeze: Once the bars are completely chilled and set, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen bars will be kept for 2-3 months.
Reese’s Pieces Bars
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Ingredients
Peanut Butter Bar Base:
- 225 g 1 cup salted butter, melted
- 200 g 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 210 g 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 250 g 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 55 g ¼ cup brown sugar
- 170 g ¾ cup mini Reese's Pieces candies
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 340 g 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 45 g 2 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 115 g ½ cup mini Reese's Pieces candies
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, allowing overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, blend the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Fold in the ¾ cup mini Reese's Pieces candies.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Lightly spray your hands or the back of a spoon with cooking spray if it gets too sticky.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoon peanut butter. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for another minute, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the peanut butter base. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mini Reese's Pieces over top and gently press them into the chocolate.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow bars to set completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- If you can't find mini Reese's Pieces, use regular size and chop them into smaller pieces if desired.
- For extra peanut butter flavor, add some chopped mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to the bars.
- Cut bars into smaller squares as they are very rich.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter for these bars?
It's best to use regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter can separate and affect the texture.
Do I have to use milk chocolate chips?
You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer. Milk chocolate will give you that classic Reese's flavor though.
What can I substitute for the graham cracker crumbs?
You can use crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or even pretzels for a different flavor base.
Sofia says
I absolutely loved this Reese’s Pieces Bars recipe! The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is heavenly, and the Reese’s Pieces add a delightful crunch with each bite. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe with just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family. Definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Margaret says
This recipe is a winner in my household! My kids couldn't get enough of these Reese's Pieces Bars. The instructions were clear, and the result was exactly as promised – chewy, gooey, and filled with that signature Reese’s flavor. It’s the perfect treat for a family movie night or school snack!